What do the people of Iran want? The Supreme Leader of Iran, Ali Khamenei (born 1939) is a cleric and politician. He is the highest political and religious authority. The armed forces, judiciary, state radio and television are subject to this lifetime office holder. He makes final decisions on the economy, the environment, foreign policy, education, national planning, but also on the amount of transparency in elections. Can we ask the people of Iran what they want, and can we expect an honest answer?
This was one of the subjects at the 77th WAPOR Conference at Seoul, South Korea in July 2024. When relevant and sensitive questions are asked it is almost impossible to get a reliable insight. Answers to polls via the telephone or face-to-face on iPads show other outcomes then on an anonymous basis via the internet or social media platforms. This difference may be larger than 50%. Speaking with young Iranians in person in a well trusted, confident location clearly shows the dramatic polarization between the leadership and the people at large. Only a meagre 15% of the population supports the theocratic leadership, mostly because they work for the forces and are being paid. An overwhelming majority, especially the younger generation, cannot wait to see the theocratic leaders step down or disappear completely out of sight. This instability is a great threat for the present leadership of Iran, also confronted with a great many instabilities abroad.
Presented by Frits Spangenberg, Seoul, July 30, 2024
For presentation slides click here
If you want to know more about the representative research work, please contact Frits at frits.spangenberg@mac.com
